Downtown Disney?

[butterflyheart]

Hi everyone! I am getting soooo excited to go to disney world!! My first trip is coming up in May and I am pushing age 30!

My question for you is about Downtown Disney. Can you tell me what it is like? Is it better to visit at night? Do you have to make reservations to have dinner at Planet hollywood?

I saw they have a hot air balloon ride - is it worth the extra money? opinions?

Bascially any info on downtown disney / your thoughts / opinions is greatly apprecieated

 

[managerdreamer]

DTD is fun Mainly has shops and food. If you don't have a big group you won't need a reservation for PH. I haven't been on the Hot air Balloon ride so I have no comment.

As for the time of day you go it really doesn't make a difference I feel. The best sandwich is at Earl sandwich so if you want a great lunch go there. If the line is long don't be scared it move fast!!!!!

I like walking around and that shopping you can buy a drink and walk all over DTD that is nice too. Usually there are some mini entertainment performances going on Have a great trip

 

[homedad]

I look at DTD as a extra when we have scene the parks enough but want to move around, I actually prefer most of Disney at nite

 

[wingedjojo]

I hear the balloon ride gets closed a lot because of weather so probably don't get your hopes too high for that. Like the previous poster said, it's mostly about shopping and food. It's not so much an atmosphere of adult nightlife since they closed all the clubs in Pleasure Island. Definitely check out the World of Disney store though!

 

[youcansmellit]

If you can do Cirque du Soleil La Nouba DO IT, was the best. Truly unbelievable. I prefer DTD at night, but I like most of Disney at night.

 

[njmom47]

I'm a fan of Basin....kids were fans of the Lego store..we were all fans of the Ghiradelli shop!

 

[TeaForTulips]

I love DTD for a nice evening on our AK day since AK usually closes quite early. Eating at Earl of Sandwich is a must do for our group. I agree with a previous poster though that don't be scared of a long line. It really does move fast- even when its out the door! (its really that good) It is usually less crowded during the morning/day on a weekday, but I think that time is better spent in parks. It can get rather crowded at night, but I think its definately worth it. We also try to plan it towards the end of our trip because if you see something you want in park, but want to hold off just incase- it will more than likely (99%) be at DTD.

All of the stores are great. Some on the West Side have some really great art and neat things but are rather pricey. I have never done the balloon ride. There are lots of videos and pictures online from it that make me feel live I've seen the view, so I don't care to do it. It does close a lot for wind though.

I am excited for the expansion. It can seem rather crowded there a lot with the amount of people and the lay out, so I am really looking forward to it. I go a lot to get my Earls fix.

Hope you have fun!

 

[RI Disney Fan]

I personally prefer to visit most Disney related places at night, and I would recommend the same for DTD. I also highly recommend checking out Goofy's Candy Co if you have a sweet tooth because they have some great candy.

 

[Disneylvr1971]

You can get some really cool pictures in the World of Disney and I love the Christmas store there. We usually go either some time mid vacation or if we get to Florida late in the day and don't want to burn a day at the park. It's a nice time to unwind any time of the day.

Congrats on your first trip!

 

[butterflyheart]

Awesome! I'm looking forward to the balloon ride (hopefully the weather will cooperate!) and Planet Hollywood!!! This all seems so unimaginable!!!!!! so exciting

 

[Main Street Matilda]

DD is something that if I missed, I wouldn't be upset. The shops are great, don't get me wrong, but like one of the posts mentions, it's sort of an extra. However, if you are looking to do some shopping on Disney property - this is definitely the place to go.

 

[t_daniels]

I'm a fan of Basin....kids were fans of the Lego store..we were all fans of the Ghiradelli shop!

We missed this last time.... but this just cements for me that we HAVE to go back.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Last trip we had dinner at Capt jacks( which was very good0 and then shopped and it was a fun night... World Of disney is great and the kids love LEGO store. A couple of years again we went to earl of sandwich for lunch which was good but I much prefer DTD at night

 

[CarissaDance]

how late are the shops in Downtown D usually open? I saw they open around 9:30am but didnt see any closing times. We're going the week after Thanksgiving.

 

[readytogotodisney]

I love DTD! I always make a point to go at least once during our trips to WDW. I always like to have a dinner there, Wolfgang Puck Express is so.dang.good!!! Then a little shopping while I make room for a chocolate shake from Ghiradelli's.

But to answer your question. The buses run until 2am, and most of the stores and restaurants are open to 11pm.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

They close at 11:00 p.m and I would avoid going on a weekend. Way too crowded. Any one going for Thanksgiving I would highly suggest going during the early morning. The evening are so crowded you can barely move.